Brad Clark, executive director of One Colorado, catches up on email and social media in his offices in June 26 after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn parts of the Defense of Marriage Act and and dismissing California’s Prop 8 case. (Photo By Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

The director of One Colorado, the group that was a driving force behind the passage of a civil-unions law this year, is leaving next month.

“We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without him,” One Colorado board chairman Bobby Clark said in a news release, announcing the resignation. “Under his extraordinary leadership, One Colorado has achieved phenomenal success in a very short period of time.”

One Colorado organized rallies to support the passage of a civil unions. The measure was killed in committee in 2011; died a dramatic death on the House floor in 2012 after a stunning game of political chicken, and passed the legislature this year and was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Brad Clark, who is not related to the board chairman, will announce his new job in a few weeks. He told board members Monday he was leaving.

“It was really tough. It so emotional,” the 32-year-old said. “And I’m from Iowa and it’s hard for me to express my emotions.”

The state’s largest gay-rights group is planning a party on the eve of civil unions becoming law in Colorado and when the clock strikes midnight, revelers will head to the Webb Building in Denver and begin applying for their civil union licenses.

One Colorado is calling the April 30 party at McNichols Building Civic Center “The Civil Soirée.” The event includes dinner, music, cake and even a photo booth. For ticket prices, click here.

“We want to honor the hard work and tireless dedication of the thousands of One Colorado supporters who made this moment possible — and that’s what The Civil Soirée is all about!” director Brad Clark said in an e-mail invitation.

Gov. John Hickenlooper will sign the civil unions bill into law in a public ceremony at 3 p.m. Thursday at History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway. It goes into effect May 1.

Alexander Hornaday and Joe Megysey, two gay Republicans, attended the civil unions soiree. Hornaday is member of the Log Cabin Republicans, while Megysey is the former spokesman for the state Senate Republicans and U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora.

Several hundred fired-up Coloradans attended what was called an “uncivil soiree” Wednesday, a combination group therapy/pep rally over the fate of civil unions this year in the legislature and the importance of electing of more like-minded lawmakers in November.

Among those who spoke were two gay Denver Democrats, Sen. Pat Steadman and House Minority Leader Mark Ferrandino, who co-sponsored the civil unions legislation.

A gay veteran who decided to challenge Rep. Andy Kerr in the 2012 Democratic primary announced he would kick off his campaign on Nov. 10. Now some of Colorado’s most prominent gays have announced a fundraiser for Kerr on Nov. 9.

Brian Carroll, the first gay solider to announce for office since the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, isn’t happy about the timing.

“While I do respect the progressives of Colorado and the GLTB community, I believe this tactic is politics as usual,” he said today. “Ultimately the people of Lakewood are going to decide who is going to represent them.”

Carroll’s decision to take on Kerr, described by gay-rights activists as a “pro-equality hero,” has puzzled a number of Democrats, including Kerr.

“I asked him why he wanted to fire me and he said, ‘You’ll find out during the campaign,'” Kerr said.

Same-sex couples in Colorado would receive many of the rights and responsibilities of marriage under a civil-unions bill that won initial approval this morning in the Senate.

Democratic Sen. Pat Steadman said he has many constituents in his Denver district who support the bill, but he said there are Coloradans in every Senate district who back the measure.

Steadman’s voice shook on several occasions when he talked about hospital visits, personal property and other issues same-sex couples face but without the protections afforded to others.

“One of prime beneficiaries of this bill are children,” Steadman said, because they would protected by child support and such if the measure becomes law. “Bear in mind, children do not choose their parents.”

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.